Columbia County, Florida

History Columbia County was created in 1832. It was named for Christopher Columbus, the famous explorer.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,075 km² (801 mi²). 2,064 km² (797 mi²) of it is land and 10 km² (4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.50% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 56,513 people, 20,925 households, and 14,919 families residing in the county. The population density is 27/km² (71/mi²). There are 23,579 housing units at an average density of 11/km² (30/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 79.72% White, 17.03% African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 1.42% from two or more races. 2.74% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,925 households out of which 32.10% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.70% are married couples living together, 12.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% are non-families. 23.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.02.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 27.70% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 102.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 101.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,881, and the median income for a family is $35,927. Males have a median income of $27,353 versus $21,738 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,598. 15.00% of the population and 11.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 17.10% are under the age of 18 and 13.60% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Five Points
• Fort White
• Lake City
• Watertown